Let's Clear Some Stuff Up About IBD

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitedemon

Skip can I get in on the group hug too. I'll give you that the barkers info on ibd is old and out of date. In the vague hope to find more information accurate information out I wrote Dr. E Jacobsen a short email here is that email and his response that I got remarkably quickly.

Dr. Jacobson,

I have read a small amount of your work with IBD and have a simple question and I hope that you can take the time to answer if for me.

I am concerned with Royal Pythons (Python Regius) has there been evidence of them caring IBD for long periods of time with out showing symptoms? Is it correct that in this smaller species IBD typically attacks the Central nervous system quickly, and results in quick (months not years) appearance of associated symptoms, and death?

If there is research specifically relating to Python Regius, would you have a reference that you could provide to me?

Most humbly,
Alexander *edit name only*

Reply,

1. I am concerned with Royal Pythons (Python Regius) has there been evidence of them caring IBD for long periods of time with out showing symptoms?

I am not aware of any information about this,

2. Is it correct that in this smaller species IBD typically attacks the Central nervous system quickly, and results in quick (months not years) appearance of associated symptoms, and death?

Not that I am aware of.

3. If there is research specifically relating to Python Regius, would you have a reference that you could provide to me?

I do not know anyone who is focused on studying IBD in ball pythons.

EJacobson

So as far as Royals are concerned there is no information I replied back to Dr. Jacobson and thanked him for his reply and asked what is the best way to help fund his project. I'll post that once that answer arrives. It is very clear there is very little information on this subject and way more research is needed. I'd suggest that in the void to accept that pythonidae and Boiade be treated as the same or similar in response. As there is no other information at this time.

I read in passing that a lab in great briton has developed a fecal screen that they claim able to detect IBD in light of a possible dormancy which I understood to apply only to Boiade, I feel that testing is a priority. Has anyone heard this as well ? If I recall correctly they offered a international mail based system.

First, I think it's great that all of us have access to the Doctor. Remember, this is the guy that during the invasive species hearings in Florida, was our star witness. Add on top of that that he has shown a willingness to take the time to answer our queries and it all adds up to a real asset to our hobby.

http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/...bson091106.pdf

I watched the HR2811 hearings and Dr. Jacobson was by far the most compelling person testifying for our side.

Second, it important to note your second question and his corresponding answer - the myth that has been propagated that IBD somehow attacks the CNS of smaller animals quicker, or that symptoms progress more rapidly in smaller species.

The answer alone should get people thinking about their QT procedures a little more carefully.

Third, in regard to the Barker's and IBD info in general: at least the Barker's are trying to educate people on the disease. There are some breeders who still deny there is such a thing called IBD.

The problem with a lot of the info in the community is that fact has been thoroughly intertwined with supposition.

I have a theory on where the idea that regius are killed quickly by IBD came from. A number of years ago there was a well circulated story about a lady who had IBD devastate her ball collection fairly quickly.

http://www.anapsid.org/deanne.html

Again, this story has been repeated on just about every snake forum on the net.

At the same time, there were a couple of other keepers who lost boa collections with the same rapidity But for some reason, that one well-travelled account with balls stuck in everyone's head.

Whether it was actually IBD that killed that collection or whether IBD weakened them enough that a nasty and antibiotic resistant infection in her collection took them out, no one knows. If you read the entire article, she never references a positive identification by a lab - just that Kaplan suggested it sounded like IBD and that her vet was planning on a necropsy.

Doesn't matter - I think that it is that story and others like it that became the basis for the "IBD rapidly kills balls" theory. My personal opinion is that it's articles like this which fuel the misconceptions about the disease. Now whenever someone has something ravage their boid collection, IBD is usually fingered, even though other culprits may be responsible, and even when there is no testing to prove it.

The moral of the story is to take what you read with a grain of salt. If you are the type of person who has no patience for research papers, try e-mailing Dr. Jacobson directly. I do not know of one person who he hasn't gotten back to.

In some cases, you may find that some of what you heard is correct, others, incorrect and oftentimes, you will find that what some people spout as fact, Dr. Jacobson and the research community does not yet know the answer.

....and until they know all the answers, I concur with you Alex - all affected boid species should be treated the same with regards to IBD.

» Site Navigation

» Online Users: 670

» Search Forums

» Today's Birthdays

» Stats

Let's Clear Some Stuff Up About IBD